Program Policy for Evaluation of Students

Based on the Standards for Training and Field Placement Program in School Psychology by the NASP, School psychology candidates demonstrate entry-level competency in each of the domains of professional practice. Competency requires both knowledge and skills. School psychology programs ensure that candidates have a foundation in the knowledge base for psychology and education, including theories, models, empirical findings and techniques in the 11 domains. School psychology programs ensure that candidates demonstrate the professional skills necessary to develop effective services that result in positive outcomes in each domain. Programs should ensure that they can document how the program addresses and assesses students’ skills in each domain and how they determine candidates/graduates have attained acceptable competence in each domain. The following is an overview of evaluation process used by The University of Toledo School Psychology Program:

Addressing Skills: Students’ knowledge and skills will be provided through coursework, practica and internship experiences (see Appendix A)

Assessing Skills: Students’ competencies in the domains will be assessed and monitored through a variety of means, including:

•  Written work, assignments, group projects;

•  In-class, carefully supervised practice with children;

•  On-site, supervised practice with children.

•  Practica and internship experiences

•  Feedback from supervisors

•  Case Studies

•  Observations of work

During the first semester, students receive information about how to begin documenting their progress towards competency in the domains of school psychology. This documentation will be collected as part of a required electronic portfolio (see Appendix G). In addition, students will receive written feedback annually regarding their performance in the program (see Appendix H).  Any area of weakness will require a remediation plan (see Appendix I).

In order to be accepted into the Education Specialist program students must:

• complete the required courses for the Master’s degree program (see Appendix B)

• maintain a B or better average in the core school psychology courses,

• demonstrate adequate interpersonal skills,

• evidence no ethical or legal violations, and

• complete an interview with the school psychology faculty.

Attaining Skills:  Attainment of competencies will be documented by 1) formal acceptance of the Summative Portfolio by the Program Faculty (see Appendix G), 2) final completion of the Written Evaluation (see Appendix H), and 3) passing the School Psychology component of the Praxis II at a level consistent with passing score (630) for licensure by the State of Ohio Department of Education.  The latter two will be presented within the Summative Portfolio.  Students are expected to provide the faculty with a copy of their Praxis test results.